With an 8-day programme that listed almost 1,300 performances, Grafton’s 71st Annual Dance Eisteddfod was another busy event. Running from 12 to 19 April, all styles of dancing were included, from classical ballet, to contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop, Irish soft shoe, and song and dance.

Carefully watching every performance was this year’s visiting Adjudicator, Ms Jane Pearson, from Brisbane. Jane has wide experience as a dancer, a dance teacher, a choreographer, an adjudicator, and as a former dance mum.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Grafton, watching such wonderfully talented young performers dancing in a variety of styles.” she said.

Despite occasional showers, the opening weekend was crowded, colourful and glittering as troupes from 13 dance studios from the Clarence Valley, mid North Coast and Northern NSW areas performed on stage.

The Grafton Rotary Club held a BBQ stall for breakfast and lunch on Sunday, doing a very brisk trade with tasty sausage sandwiches and bacon and egg rolls.

The remaining time was focussed on almost 200 soloists, most of were competing in several sections. Some popular sections had up to 25 entrants. Many routines were well practiced, while others called for improvised dances to music heard just a minute before taking to the stage.

The Overall Excellence Scholarship for Seniors (12 years and over) of $500 was won by Hayley Phillipps-Lewis (a student at Virtuosity Ballet Coaching).

The winner of the $250 Overall Excellence Scholarship for Juniors (11 years and under) was Ema Isubikalu (a student at Clarence River Dance Academy).

Long term sponsor, Grafton Toyota, again awarded a generous $500 scholarship for the Most Promising Ballet Student (aged 12 years & over). This year’s winner was Chloe Leman (a student at Harbour Performing Arts Centre).

The trophy for the Most Outstanding Group was awarded to the Clarence River Dance Academy.

Louise Leslie